Wednesday, January 13, 2016

A Better You Inside & Out with Perfection Deception & Flora•py

::: press sample / affiliate links :::

It's new year (you knew that...) which means a lot of people declaring 'new year, new me' and new resolutions to loose a few pounds, hit the gym, etc. All good ideas, but there's something else to think about- the inner you. Today's post is all about the inner you, and okay, a little bit about the outer you, but it all circles back to being the best version of you. Stay with me, it will make sense. I promise!

I love to read, so I am always interested when I'm pitched a book title for review. When the pitch for Perfection Deception landed in my inbox, I initially didn't think it was a good fit. Not one to give up on a book that quickly- I'm the type of person who finishes a book even if they absolutely hate it- I read more about the book and decided to give it a go. I am so glad I did.

Perfection Deception is a self-help style book the focuses on, you guessed it, perfectionism and why our need to be perfect is so damaging. Even if you don't think you identify with the term perfectionist, we all as humans, and I think even more so as women, have a set standard we all strive for. Most often that standard is an idealized, unachievable form of perfection (in one way or another.)

The book shows the ways in which we strive for perfection, how our culture has shaped us, and the damaging impact we can have on ourselves. I am not usually a self-help book type of person, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The content isn't exactly light - it can get emotional- but the way in which it's written is conversational and easy to digest. It really gets you thinking about the way in which you think about yourself and the effect you can have on your own self-being.

The author makes it clear that one can't simply change their perfectionist ways, but instead gives tools to harness it and use it positively. I quite like that this is a book you can peruse with reading cover to cover. The sections can be read out of order yet still be beneficial, with some portions of the book being more like a how-to. These sections are going to be something I go back to from time to time as they give you the tools and tips when you're back to that negative place.

With the inside covered (a work in progress, obviously) a little wok on the outside only makes sense. Even better is the fact that this next product works really well when you tuck in for a bit of reading time, and much like Perfection, can change your attitude.

Flora•py Floral Facial Sheet Masks are coconut based masks that combine the skincare elements of a sheet mask with aromatherapy. Available in eight different varieties, the masks feature blends of florals and botanicals to achieve various results for skin and self.

Of the selection I've been testing the Jasmine Peppermint Detox Mask became an instant favourite. The jelly-like mask not only sticks well to the face without slipping around, but the minty scent is straight up magical. The peppermint scent empowers healing, is balancing and calms metal clarity, while the actual product (peppermint oil in this case) refreshes dull and tired skin, and helps promote circulation. Jasmine flower helps stimulate the skin, promotes elasticity, and can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The immediate effect of the mask is soft, hydrated skin thanks to what Flora•py calls 'Recovery Essence 8' a proprietary blend of vervain
flower, grapeseed oil, olive oil, clary sage oil, carrot oil, almond
oil, rosehip and vitamin E. The overall experience combines mind and body and is highly addictive.

Overall, I highly recommend both Perfection Deception and a few Flora•py masks. They happen to go together amazingly and will leave you feeling a bit better inside and out. It's so easy to get caught up in day to day life, with stressed being a normal state of being, that negativity is easy to carry around without even noticing it. Being mindful of how we treat ourselves, both in thought and activity, can lead to a happier, healthier you. What do you think, could you use wither of these products in your life?